The Fairy Trail

A merry band of hashers met for r*n 854 at The Tavern in Hale. A good turnout for the first r*n of 2024. We were blessed with fair weather, cold but at least dry. We gathered in a circle and listened to the Hares directions for the r*n. A few maps were surreptitiously distributed as we tried to make sense of the splits - wimp1, wimp 2, wimp routes, depending on whether we wanted to avoid the Fairy Steps. We were promised a beer stop. Belle carried out her new duties as Junior GM admirably duly appointing me as scribe - I had it coming! 

We set off up into the houses of Hale, the rambos quickly leaving us wimps far behind. A pleasant route along woodland trails and some stunning limestone scenery. Care duly taken to avoid injury. We eventually arrived at the Fairy Steps after following one of the many wimps trails and made our way down in an orderly queue. After this delight chaos quickly ensued. Had the fairies magically removed all the flour?? We searched in vain for any trail markings while Dormouse disappeared in the opposite direction. After ending up back at the original split Morticia and I retraced our steps and decided to follow a waymarked path to lead us out of the enchanted wood. We finally reached Cockshot Lane and decided to head back towards Beetham. A sneaky use of mobile phone tech allowed us the track Thunderdick - in Dallam Park. 

By pure quirk of fate we reconnected with the rambos trail in the park and finally made it to a very welcome beer stop. Biscuits all round and much pondering regarding the whereabouts of everyone else. The remaining trail was a lot less eventful taking us through Beetham and back to Hale across the fields. 

We did make it back in time for the circle, just about. Down downs were duly distributed while we waited for the Septics, Lurch and Speedbump to return. The lost ones finally appeared and were given down downs for their lateness. A great lunch was enjoyed in the welcome warmth of the Tavern. 

Well done Hares for surviving your first outing. Thank you for a super trail. A grand day out! 

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